Health Benefits of Beetroot
Beetroot is a red colored vegetable which is sweet and tender with loads of health benefits. Beetroot can be eaten raw, grilled, boiled or roasted. They are used in various salads, soups and curries. Let’s look at the nutritional and health benefits of beetroot.
Nutritional Benefits of Beetroot
Beetroot is a low calorie vegetable. It provides only 40 calories for 100 grams of its consumption. It provides antioxidants and various minerals like iron, sodium, potassium, magnesium. The red color of beetroot is due to the presence of betaine which helps in cardiovascular health. It also has dietary fibre that helps in digestion.
Benefits of Beetroot for Skin Health
Beetroot is rich in anti-oxidants. They help the skin from oxidation processes by free radicals. Beetroot is a natural detoxifier. It purifies the blood which makes the skin glow. Beetroot juice has been significantly beneficial against boils and pimples. Consumption of beetroot juice also reduces skin inflammation. It also works as an anti-aging substance. Beetroot is a source of lycopene which is a powerful anti-oxidant. Lycopene helps in maintaining skin elasticity and protects skin from harmful sun radiations.
Beetroot reduces Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure and Heart Related Problems
Carotenoids and flavonoids are present in beetroot. These antioxidants help in reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) in the arteries. They help in the prevention of plaque formation in the arteries. High fibre content in it helps in lowering cholesterol. It reduces the serum cholesterol and triglyceride level in the body. Beetroot also increases the good cholesterol (HDL).
Beetroot is high in nitrates. These nitrates help in the production of nitric oxide in the blood which widens the blood vessels, subsequently lowering the blood pressure of the body. Dilation of blood vessels leads to greater intake of oxygen and lowering of blood pressure. Betaine is present in beetroot which helps in the reduction of homocysteine which can be harmful to blood vessels.
Heart related and cardiovascular health depends upon blood pressure and cholesterol level. Reduction of them can keep heart healthy and efficient.
Health Benefits of Beetroot – Makes Liver more Efficient
Betaine and methionine in beetroot helps in proper functioning of liver. Beta-cyanine in beetroot helps in the process of detoxification of blood and liver, thereby protecting liver cells. Proper functioning of liver helps in proper disintegration of body fats which are formed by alcohol consumption or lack of protein intake. Efficient liver also helps in the prevention of fatigue and nausea.
Beetroot prevents Cancer
Betacyanin present in beetroot helps in the inhibition of formation of cancer cells in the body. They reduce the metabolism of cancer cells. Nitrosamine causes the formation of cancer cells which is prevented by beetroot. Beetroot helps in the reduction of the effects of cytostatics and increases appetite. Beetroot has been found to work against colon, skin and breast cancer.
Health Benefits of Beetroot for Diabetics
High fibre content in beetroot helps in controlling the sugar level in the body. Beetroot has high Glycaemic Index but it has low Glycaemic load. The rate of glucose conversion in the body is quite low in beetroot.
Beetroot Reduces Anaemia
Anaemia is basically lack of red blood cell count in the blood. Beetroot juice contains iron which regenerates and activates RBC in the blood. Iron intake helps in increasing the haemoglobin level of the blood. Beetroot thus helps in preventing dizziness, fatigue by fighting anaemia. It provides proper circulation of oxygen in the body and helps against restlessness and insomnia.
Health Benefits of Beetroot – Improves Digestion and Prevents Constipation
Beetroot is high in dietary fibre which aids digestion and improves bowel movement. Beetroot juice triggers the functioning of nerves in the intestines. It can be very helpful against hypochlorhydria. Hypochlorhydria is low acid content in the stomach caused by stress, alcohol and poor diet. Beetroot juice helps in maintaining the right acid quantity in the body.
High fibre content helps in the softening of stool and thus prevents constipation.
Beetroot helps in preventing Memory Loss and Dementia
Beetroot aids in improving blood flow in the body. Nitrates in beetroot get converted into nitrites. These nitrites help in opening the blood vessels and increases blood flow in the brain. They aid in improving the flow of blood in the frontal lobes of the brain and halt the process of memory loss and dementia.
Health Benefits of Beetroot – Helps in Reducing Weight and increases Stamina
Beetroot provides only 40 calories. It is even fat free which makes it really helpful in reducing weight. Beetroot contains lot of nutrients and minerals that rejuvenate the body. It helps in increasing stamina and endurance of the body. Nitrates get converted into nitric oxide and reduce the oxygen consumption while exercising. Beetroot also reduces the rate at which muscles uses energy (adenosine triphosphate).
Beetroot for Hair Nourishment
Carotenoids in beetroot make it beneficial for the effective growth of hair. It helps in maintaining glossy texture and improves the quality and thickness of hair. Beetroot paste can be applied to the bald patches in order to regain the lost hair.
Health Benefits of Beetroot – Great Food for Babies
Beetroot contains a lot of Vitamin C and many essential minerals. They can help in building the immune system. It can be consumed during constipation and cold and flu. Folic acid is contained in beetroot which helps in the normal tissue growth. It also helps in the development of baby’s spinal cord.
Other Health Benefits Of Beetroot
- Beetroot contains lutein and zeaxanthin that helps in preventing age related eye problems and macular degeneration.
- It is very helpful against harmful radiations. It is rich in fibre which contains lignin that protects from these radiations.
- Mineral silica in beetroot helps in preventing diseases like osteoporosis.
- Beetroot juice is alkaline and helps in stabilizing acid content.
- Beetroot is beneficial for pregnant women as it lowers the risk of neural tube defects in new born.